Deciding Whether to Repair or Replace Your Air Conditioner

When faced with the need for potential air conditioning repair in St. Louis, MO, many homeowners wind up having to decide whether to repair or replace the unit. Oftentimes, when the bill seems too high, many homeowners may think it would be better or less expensive to simply buy a whole new air conditioning unit.

While there are many benefits to replacing an old unit, such as improved indoor air quality, a new warranty and little need for repairs, it can still be difficult to determine whether it is worth the investment. Here are a few ways to determine whether or not it is time to invest in a new air conditioning unit or to keep repairing the current one:

How old is your unit?

If your air conditioning unit is more than 10 years old, you should definitely consider investing in a new one in order to save some money on your monthly bills. While age is not a definitive guide in deciding whether to replace it, many older units are not nearly as energy efficient as the current models on the market. Only so much air conditioning repair in St. Louis, MO can make up for an inefficient unit. While it may seem cheaper to stick with an older unit, you are ultimately paying for it through your monthly energy bills.

Total repair cost

High repair costs are often a deciding factor when determining if it is time to upgrade to a new unit. Typically, a new unit is recommended if the cost of air conditioning repair in St. Louis, MO is more than $800 or so. But there are other factors to consider, such as age. If the repairs are going to cost $800, but your unit is less than six years old, it might be worth the investment in order to utilize it for just a bit longer. You should also consider the total amount spent on repairs. For example, if you need to spend $800 now, but you just spent $500 on repairs last year, it is probably time to purchase a new air conditioner.

The best way to determine whether air conditioning repair in St. Louis, MO is worth the price is to use the 50 percent rule. When the cost of the repair is 50 percent or more of the unit’s total value, it is generally time to replace the system. This can be difficult though as there is no clear way to determine the value of an air conditioner without a professional’s input.

Making a final decision

Ultimately, a trained air conditioning repair specialist can give you the best answer on whether it is better to repair or to purchase a new air conditioner. Every system is different, and a decision can only be made following a thorough inspection by a qualified service technician. Don’t worry about determining if the investment is worth it—let one of our experts help you make the call! Call Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling today and let us help you decide on a next step.